Mythbusters: Is Argan Oil Good For Hair?

Out of all the oils that we've been mentioning on our blog, argan oil is probably one of the most popular. You've probably seen it mentioned somewhere in the online hair care community, or even printed on the packaging of some shampoos and conditioners at your local supermarket.

In today's ZALA Mythbusters, we'll go in-depth on what argan oil really is and answer the most important question: is argan oil good for hair?

How Is Argan Oil Made

Often labeled as "Liquid gold" for its color, argan oil is a kind of oil that comes from argan trees, a kind of spiny flowering tree that is endemic to the southwestern part of Morocco, Africa.

The oil itself comes from the fruit, which is first dried and then cracked open in order to gain access to the kernels inside. This kernel is then hard-pressed to squeeze all the oil out.

This oil is known for its multiple benefits for skin and hair, where it is typically used as a topical or even oral treatment. In terms of vitamin and nutrient content, it's extremely rich in tocopherols, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.

The Benefits of Argan Oil For Hair

Although it was first popularized as a skincare treatment, the fact that argan oil is good for hair is not a myth – it has actually already been proven in various studies. Here are some of the following benefits of argan oil:

• Softens and smoothens hair. Argan oil, as mentioned above, is very rich in tocopherols (Vitamin E). This vitamin can help add moisture back into your hair, thus making your hair much smoother and softer than ever.
• Protects hair from UV rays. Argan oil creates a protective layer around your strands, thus helping mitigate the damages that can be caused by direct exposure from the sun. It can do the same thing to your skin too, as proven in a 2013 study, so that's one sunscreen you can use for both your skin and hair.
• Improve blood circulation. Argan oil can also promote healthy hair growth by improving blood circulation in your scalp. This is according to a study way back in 1999 that proved that tocopherol does improve blood flow.
• Lessens dandruff. The antioxidants in argan oil can help treat any minor wounds on your scalp, which can also aid in the reduction of dandruff and other issues related to your scalp.
• Makes hair shinier. Vitamin E can also make your hair become even shinier. According to a study conducted in 2010, Vitamin E is proven to help repair your hair strands' cuticles, bringing back their shine.
• Prevent hair loss. Argan oil is also a well-known treatment for those who are experiencing hair loss, according to 2013 study.

DIY Argan Oil Hair Treatments

You can do these DIY argan oil hair treatments when you just want to relax in the comforts of your own home.

Argan Oil Hair Mask

• 1 tbsp argan oil
• 2 tbsp virgin coconut oil
• 1 tsp honey

Combine all of these together until they're fully mixed. Get a comb and work through your hair, making sure to get all the tangles out. Leave on your hair up to an hour or even longer if you want to. Then, wash and dry as usual.

Argan Oil Drops

• 3-4 drops of argan oil

Argan oil on its own is usually enough to help improve your hair's skin condition. Just apply 3-4 drops of argan oil in lieu of your regular hair serum.

As you can see, it's definitely not a myth that argan oil is good for your hair. For more mythbuster articles, don't forget to check out our ZALA blog!